Kroger Stock Price, News & Analysis

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), is emphasizing the importance of flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines to protect community health. These vaccines are available at all Kroger Family of Pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations. The CDC recommends updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, while the RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 75 and older or those 60-74 with chronic illnesses.

Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health, stressed the critical role of vaccines in disease prevention and public health maintenance. Dr. Marc Watkins, chief medical officer, highlighted the convenience of getting vaccinated at Kroger stores, allowing customers to combine grocery shopping with vaccination. Most patients can receive these vaccines at no charge with insurance, either through walk-in visits or by appointment.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has announced the launch of Vanderpump Blooms x Bloom Haus™, a floral collection curated by Lisa Vanderpump, available exclusively at Kroger Family of Stores starting September 4, 2024. The collection features bouquets and readymade floral arrangements in custom vases, designed to bring Vanderpump's elegant aesthetic to homes.

The seasonal product line includes various themed bouquets such as Perfectly Peach, Royal Garden, Signature Pink, Villa Blanca, Crimson Romance, Autumn Extravagance, Violet Elegance, and Pandora Pink. Customers can purchase pre-arranged flowers in vases or follow video tutorials by Lisa Vanderpump to style the bouquets themselves.

The collaboration aims to enhance Kroger's Bloom Haus™ brand with Vanderpump's signature style, offering customers an easy way to achieve a luxurious floral aesthetic at home.

The Kroger Co. Foundation has awarded $300,000 in scholarships to 120 children of Kroger associates for the 2024-2025 academic year. Each scholar receives $2,500 towards any accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational program. Launched in 2008, the Kroger Scholars Program has granted over $5 million in scholarship funds to date.

The 2024-2025 Kroger Scholars will attend more than 75 institutions nationwide. Selection criteria included volunteering, civic service, extra-curricular activities, academic performance, and work experience. Kroger also offers a tuition reimbursement program for its associates, contributing up to $21,000 for both part-time and full-time employees. Since 2018, the company has reimbursed over $50 million for continuing education.

Kroger (NYSE:KR) has priced a $10.5 billion public offering of senior notes with various maturities ranging from 2026 to 2064. The notes have interest rates between 4.600% and 5.650%. The expected settlement date is August 27, 2024. Kroger plans to use the net proceeds to fund a portion of the cash consideration for its proposed merger with Albertsons Companies, Inc. Some notes are subject to special mandatory redemption if the merger doesn't close. If the merger is not completed, proceeds from certain notes will be used for general corporate purposes. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, are acting as lead joint book-running managers for the offering.

Kroger has filed a motion for preliminary injunction against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) administrative proceeding challenging its merger with Albertson's. The company argues that the FTC's actions violate Constitutional protections in two key areas:

1. The Administrative Law Judge's lack of removability by the President violates Article II.
2. Adjudicating private rights through the Executive Branch rather than the Judicial Branch violates Article III.

Kroger contends that the FTC is inappropriately seeking multiple opportunities to litigate the same issues by splitting its challenge into two separate tribunals. The company remains prepared to defend the merger in the upcoming federal court trial, set to begin on August 26 in the District of Oregon.

Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) has initiated private exchange offers for certain eligible holders of Albertsons Companies notes, aiming to exchange up to $7.44 billion in new Kroger notes and cash. The exchange is linked to the anticipated merger between Kroger and Albertsons, expected to close in Q4 2024.

The offers target multiple Albertsons-issued notes, including series due from 2026 to 2037. Kroger seeks consent to amend indentures governing these notes, removing restrictive covenants and certain default events, among other changes. Eligible holders who tender notes before the Early Participation Date will receive incentives, including a $1 consent payment and up to $1,000 in Kroger notes per $1,000 of Albertsons notes.

The exchange offers and consent solicitations will expire on September 13, 2024, with the settlement date expected soon after.

The Kroger Wellness Festival, presented by PepsiCo and P&G, is set to return on September 27 and 28, 2024, in Downtown Cincinnati. This free health and wellness event will feature over 200 experiences focused on six core pillars: balance, breathe, care, move, play, and uplift. Highlights include:

- Free concerts by Third Eye Blind and Jason Derulo
- Appearances by celebrities like Alex Rodriguez and Chrissy Teigen
- Fitness activities, cooking demos, and panel discussions
- Six stages sponsored by major brands

The festival aims to promote physical, mental, and emotional health for families in a new, larger location on Fifth Street.

Kroger (NYSE: KR) has announced its Smart Way™ product line, offering pantry staples for less than $3. This opening price point brand provides affordable options for essential kitchen items, including:

- Condiments, canned and dry goods starting at 99 cents
- Spices from $1.50
- Baked breads from $1.50
- Snacks and treats from $1.99
- Cold and frozen items from $2.29

Customers can access these products in-store or through Kroger Pickup and Delivery. Additional savings are available through digital coupons, the Boost by Kroger Plus membership, and the Kroger Family of Companies Rewards World Elite Mastercard®.

Home Chef, a leading meal solutions company, has partnered with the popular animated series PAW Patrol for a four-week collaboration aimed at making family dinnertime more exciting. Starting August 12, 2024, customers can order PAW Patrol-themed recipes that will change weekly until September 13. Each Family Menu meal will come in a special interactive box inspired by the PAW Patroller truck and include a surprise PAW Patrol toy.

The menu features character-inspired dishes like Chase's Cheesy Turkey Quesadilla and Marshall's Fire Roasted Tomato Tortellini. Home Chef is also hosting a giveaway for a PAW Patrol playhouse, kids' dishware set, and a year's worth of meals. New customers can use the code 'RESCUEDINNER' to receive 18 free meals. This collaboration aims to make mealtime more convenient, approachable, and fun for families with young children.